From: Brooks Mitchell, STAR Net Libraries

Hi everyone! 

I just wanted to let you all know about an upcoming webinar that will walk you through the two-step application process for an exciting new project, the STAR Net STEAM Equity Project. I'll place more information about the project below, but in short, this project is seeking 12 creative librarians/library workers to lead their libraries’ participation in a project at the intersection of transforming library services, gender equity and cultural inclusion (especially with Latino families), STEAM learning and positive youth development.

We are encouraging librarians/library workers that work in the following context to apply: 

• Public libraries in rural communities in the United States and its territories are eligible. 
• For the purposes of this project, rural libraries are defined as those serving communities of under 25,000, and significant Latino population as a percentage greater than the 9% national average for rural America (USDA Rural America at a Glance, 2018 Edition).
• Libraries that serve significant Latino populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The project team uses the term “Latino” but acknowledges that communities and individuals may identify as Latino/a/x, Hispanic, Chicano/a, or a variety of other terms. Eligibility will be determined through the Notice of Intent process, based on community characteristics and library capacity.

Registration: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PgPyTFsTS2-8jLjZ7SRVcg

Date: Tuesday, Jun 16, 2020

Time:  3:00 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 pm PT / 11 am AKDT / 9 am HST 

Description: 
In this free webinar, learn how to apply for an opportunity to engage your community in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) through your library services and collaborations. Join us to learn more about the STAR Library Network’s STEAM Equity Project, an incredible effort to help public library workers in small and rural communities offer outstanding, culturally responsive STEAM programming and exhibitions for their patrons, especially often-underreached Latino populations. In this session, you will meet the project partners, learn about the project timeline and how to apply to become a participating library, and learn about STEAM programming that you can bring to your library today. This project will have a unique two-step application process: we are asking interested libraries to submit a short Notice of Intent (NOI) now to determine eligibility and a full application later in the year. The STEAM Equity Project is offered by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Programs Office and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, in collaboration with the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (project lead), Twin Cities PBS (TPT) and their SciGirls program, the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), and the Educational Development Center (EDC).

More Information on this Project

STAR Net STEAM Equity Project: http://www.ala.org/tools/programming/steamequity

FAQ: http://www.ala.org/tools/programming/steamequity/faq